Assessment of Nurses’ Knowledge of Acute Kidney Injury at a Tertiary Hospital in Dar es salaam, Tanzania

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a sudden decline in kidney function associated with considerable morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs worldwide. The burden is disproportionately higher in developing countries, including Tanzania, where infections, sepsis, and constrained healthcare resources are major contributors. Nurses are central to the early recognition and management of AKI; however, knowledge gaps regarding its identification and nursing care persist. This study therefore assessed nurses’ knowledge of AKI presentation, risk factors, and management at a tertiary hospital in Tanzania. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania, among registered nurses working in units providing AKI care. Data were collected using a validated, structured, self-administered questionnaire. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, with frequencies and percentages summarized using descriptive statistics. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to assess factors associated with knowledge, given the categorical nature of the outcome variables. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 190 nurses participated; 62% were female and 52% were aged 31–40 years. Overall, 13% demonstrated high knowledge of AKI identification, 67% moderate knowledge, and 20% low knowledge, while for AKI management, 30% had high knowledge, 63% moderate knowledge, and 7% low knowledge. In the multivariate analysis, higher education level, longer nursing experience, and receipt of formal AKI training were independently associated with better knowledge. Conclusion: Nurses demonstrated predominantly moderate knowledge of AKI identification and management, with few attaining high knowledge levels. Strengthening capacity through targeted education, formal training in renal nursing specialization, and evidence-based guidelines is essential to improve early identification and effective nursing management of AKI in Tanzania.